While the storm’s winds and rain have passed, flooding remains widespread across the Florida Panhandle, along with thousands of downed trees, severed power and gas lines, and road-blocking debris. And those are just the visible dangers: The water itself can carry bacteria and viruses that pose a major health hazard.

Authorities are pleading with residents to shelter in place, keeping the roads clear for emergency vehicles and reducing the risk of additional casualties. At least one man has died in the storm, after a falling tree crashed into his house in Greensboro, Florida.

Leaving home now raises the risks of injury, experts said. Many roads remain closed and impassible, most stores are closed and power is out for an estimated 500,000 people across three states, authorities said.

Among the medical dangers are cholera, Hepatitis A and vibriosis, said Dr. Robert Glatter, an emergency room physician at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. Glatter said storm victims need to stay focused on staying healthy while they await recovery efforts. That may mean not rushing outside as soon as the skies clear.

“Don't panic— try to take things one step at a time when you feel overwhelmed,” he said.

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Flooding from hurricanes often brings increased risk of gastrointestinal disease as people accidentally ingest contaminated water, a potentially disgusting mix of saltwater, rain, runoff and anything those waters have touched as they rushed through homes, sewer lines and buildings.

“One of the things we’re concerned about is standing water because we have no idea what’s in the water," said Holly Kirsch, program administrator for the Department of Health-Leon County. "There could be power lines, there could be debris, there could be glass, there could be animals such as snakes."

An army of contractors and government workers will swing into action Thursday morning to begin clearing roads and downed power lines, clearing any clogged drains and trying to restore power to as many people as possible. Experts say people who lost power must be careful to monitor whether any refrigerated foods have spoiled.

Workers who are restoring power will be wearing special voltage detectors to ensure they don’t get electrocuted, said Tammy Kent, owner of One Source Restoration, which has about 450 contractors working in the Florida Panhandle.

“Electricity can track through water from a downed power line that is still energized,” Kent said. “I recall a story a few years back where three members of a family were killed from a wire down on the fence at their home.”